definitions

prosthetic

[ pros-thet-ik ]
/ prɒsˈθɛt ɪk /

adjective

of or relating to an artificial body part or prosthesis: He was fitted for a prosthetic arm.
of or relating to the fields of surgical or dental prosthetics: advances in prosthetic technology.
of or relating to a substance, item, or process used to transform a person’s appearance temporarily, especially as a theatrical special effect: The final scene required painstaking application of prosthetic hair and skin.

noun

an artificial body part; a prosthesis: Hundreds of amputees volunteered to test the new prosthetics.
an appearance-altering substance or item applied temporarily to a person’s face or body, especially to create a theatrical special effect: Alien creatures are brought to life with realistic prosthetics.

Nearby words

prostatotomy, prostatovesiculectomy, prostatovesiculitis, prosternum, prosthesis, prosthetic, prosthetic dentistry, prosthetic group, prosthetics, prosthetist, prosthion

Origin of prosthetic

1735–40; < Modern Latin prostheticus, from Hellenistic Greek prosthetikós, equivalent to prósthet(os) “added on,” verbid of prostithе́nai “to add, put onto” (pros- pros-. + the-, stem of tithе́nai “to put, place” + -tos verbid suffix) + -ikos -ic
Related formspros·thet·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for prosthetic

prosthetic

adj.

1837 in grammar; 1902 in the surgical sense, from Latinized form of Greek prosthetikos "disposed to add," from prosthetas "added," verbal adjective of prostithenai "to put to, add to" (see prosthesis). Related: Prosthetically.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for prosthetic

prosthetic

[ prŏs-thĕt′ĭk ]

adj.

Serving as or relating to a prosthesis.
Of or relating to prosthetics.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for prosthetic

prosthesis

[ prŏs-thē′sĭs ]

Plural prostheses (prŏs-thē′sēz)

An artificial device used to replace a missing or defective body part, such as a limb or a heart valve.
Related formsprosthetic adjective (prŏs-thĕt′ĭk)
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.